Minister visits the United Arab Emirates to promote Australian Defence exports

18 February 2017

The Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Christopher Pyne MP, today delivered a keynote address at the 2017 International Defence Exhibition (IDEX), in Abu Dhabi highlighting the strengths of Australia’s defence industry and the cutting edge technology we sell across the globe.

During the address Minister Pyne focussed on disruptive emerging technology and innovation, praising Australia’s response to these opportunities and challenges. He also met with international partners to advocate for Australia’s defence industry and reaffirm the Government’s strong support for Australian companies and their important role supporting the Australian Defence Force.

Under the lead of Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, the IDEX Conference and Exhibition bring together international government, military and industry representatives to demonstrate the latest defence technology across air, land and sea.

The conference is one of the largest in the world. The last IDEX conference in 2015 saw more than 1,200 exhibitors and 101,000 visitors from across the globe participating, with signed deals amounting to well over AUD 6.5 billion. This year’s Exhibition is expected to exceed this.

Throughout the conference and during bilateral meetings the Minister reinforced the importance of developing long term industry partnerships to collaboratively develop defence capability.

“Witnessing first hand the quality and ingenuity of the capabilities that our 21 Australian companies have on display here is an exceptional example of what Australian industry can offer to our international partners,” Minister Pyne said.

“Australia has had great success countering disruptive technology such as the threat posted by improvised explosive devices.

“The Defence Science and Technology Group’s REDWING program developed critical equipment for ADF personnel as well as the Afghan National Army.

“This remarkable technology, developed in collaboration between government and industry, is now saving lives and has enormous potential to be exported across the globe creating jobs in Australia,” he said.

During his visit, Minister Pyne also met with His Excellency Homaid Al Shemmari, Chairman of Emirates Defence Industries Company and His Excellency Saif Mohamed Al Hajeri, CEO of Tawazun Economic Council, to discuss opportunities for Australian Defence exports.